Anambra State Health Commissioner, Dr Vincent Okpala has said the State will partner with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria -Young Pharmaceutical Group (PSN-YPG) to fight drug abuse .
Dr Okpala said this when Executive Members of the PSN-YPG paid him a courtesy visit recently in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
The Commissioner commended the group’s determination to partner Anambra State Government in the fight, against drug abuse among youths. He said that Anambra was privileged to have professionals like them, urging them to maintain and apply professionalism when carrying out their campaigns in the State.
Dr Vincent Okpala pointed out that five indigenes of Anambra from Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha, recently won an International Competition Award on Technovation in the United States of America, with their designed application that detects counterfeit and fake drugs. He promised to engage the PSN-YPG in the activities of the Ministry, while thanking them for coming to identify with Anambra State.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of PSN-YPG in Anambra State, Pharmacist Chibuzor Okaa, said that the group decided to identify with Governor Willie Obiano because of his impressive leadership style and to seek for his support.
Mr. Okaa, who is also Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters, thanked the Commissioner for the audience given to the group,
Mr. Muyiwa Olagunju, National Chairman, PSN-YPG noted that the group came into existence in 2016 and has been supportive of various programmes of Government; stressing that PSN-YPG is an interest group in Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria with no fewer than 7,000 members who are Pharmacists, below 35 years of age or less than 5years Post-Graduation.
He disclosed that the group offers free Medical Outreach, especially in rural areas and also engage in health advocacy campaigns, pointing out that they are working on a project known as NAFDAC Youth against Drug Abuse.
Mr. Muyiwa Olagunju pointed out that globally there have been issues of drug abuse hence the NAFDAC project.
Mr. Onyeka Obidiegwu, National Public Relations Officer, PSN-YPG on behalf of members of the group commended the Commissioner while urging him to continue his good works.
The Registrar, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Pharmacist Elijah Mohammed declared that the Council is committed to wiping out quacks from the Industry, as well as ensure efficient service delivery.
The Registrar further disclosed that the Council had done a lot of sensitization and advocacy visits to relevant stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical Industry to ensure that those who are not qualified to be in the profession are sent off the field.
He also stated that they had regulated the patent medicine practitioners in order to help them discharge their duties effectively and efficiently urging Young Pharmacists to always adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession.
The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharmacist Sam Ohuabunwa who was represented by Emeka Duru, commended the Young Pharmacist Group for the conference and urged them to be innovative at all times to take the profession to the next level, assuring them that they will always support them to excel.
Chukwurah Joy – PEO I (Information)
